Cloverdale, Sonoma County's northernmost city, has about 8,700 residents. It also has the county's most competitive city race, The Press Democrat reported: nine candidates for three City Council seats on Nov. 3.
The candidates
Mayor Brian Wheeler is not seeking reelection, so at least one seat will change hands. The field:
- Andrés Marquez, incumbent, appointed in February 2025 and focused on regional water partnerships.
- Marjorie Morgenstern, incumbent, first elected in 2022.
- Will Carter, local technology business owner, endorsed by Marquez and the North Bay Labor Council.
- Steve Kawa, longtime San Francisco government advisor, endorsed by Wheeler, state Sen. Mike McGuire and Sheriff Eddie Engram.
- Kimberly Kern, public school superintendent, endorsed by the Sonoma County Democratic Party.
- Chris Parker, former Cloverdale police chief, backed by the police officers' and firefighters' unions.
- Colleen Shields, longtime resident and massage therapist.
- Kelly Spagnola
- Jenn Neylon
The issues
Esmeralda: The proposed development on a 266-acre former mill site along Asti Road calls for more than 600 homes and a hotel, and could grow the city's population by about 17%. The Planning Commission approved the plan this month, and it now goes to the council. Several candidates questioned a proposed hotel tax rebate to the developer. See our earlier coverage: Cloverdale weighs Esmeralda.
Water: PG&E plans to remove the Potter Valley Project dams, which have long diverted Eel River water into the Russian River. That has raised questions about Cloverdale's future supply.
Council discord: The Press Democrat reported recurring split votes. This month the council issued a formal warning to Morgenstern over alleged mistreatment of staff.
This is the city's last at-large election. Cloverdale moves to district elections in 2028.
How to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.